Description
Jamie Oliver’s Tomato Garlic Sauce is a classic Italian-inspired sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. The tomatoes are cooked down to a thick, rich sauce with the garlic infusing it with a robust, aromatic flavor. This sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza, and is quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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- 1 kg (2 lbs) ripe tomatoes, chopped (or 2 cans of chopped tomatoes)
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- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
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- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
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- 1 pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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- Salt and pepper to taste
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- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
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- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Add the chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) to the pan. Stir well to combine with the garlic. If using fresh tomatoes, you can remove the skins beforehand for a smoother sauce, but this is optional.
Stir in the tomato paste, which adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable stock.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, or use it as a pizza base. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.